He helped the Yankees win six World Series titles and 11 American League pennants in his 16 seasons. Ford had a career record of 236-106, setting the Yankees' record for victories. His career winning percentage of .690 is the best for any pitcher with at least 300 career decisions. Ford was the Cy Young Award winner in 1961, when he was 25-4, and was a 10-time All-Star.
Ford's status as the best pitcher on the best team was exemplified by his marks in the World Series, where he was chosen as a Game 1 starter eight times. His 10 World Series victories are the most for any pitcher, and he pitched 33⅔ consecutive scoreless innings in World Series play, breaking a record set by Babe Ruth. He also still holds records for World Series starts (22), innings pitched (146) and strikeouts (94).
To me of course he's best seen through the lens of my favorite player, Mickey Mantle - he wasn't as famous for carousing as much as Mickey or Billy Martin but they were the Three Amigos, and if he was one of Mickey's closest friends then I liked him too.
UPDATE: wait - did Whitey Ford have gout??!
To sweeten the pot, his salary was increased to $37,000, and the Yankees explained that the conditions the club wanted to impose did not really involve his being a "good boy," but rather required that he observe specific dietary restrictions in order to control his high uric acid condition.
MY BROTHER!!!
* Turns out Bobby Richardson and Tony Kubek are still alive, so that's 2 left. Sorry!
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